Stay the Course

Well now it’s March and I’m wondering how you’re doing with your good ideas and New Year’s resolutions you made a couple months ago. Have they slipped to the way side or are you staying on track? Sometimes it’s a challenge to get our boat out of an old pattern or rut and stay the course on the new, healthier one.

If we do not know what port we’re steering for, no wind is favorable.” – Seneca

The first observation is whether or not you have a internally motivated desire inside that supports you in moving towards what you want – what you set as a priority to focus on. True motivation occurs from the inside out. It is a desire, yearning, and energy that spurs us onward, amidst adversity, distraction, and laziness. Motivation is a tension that exists because you haven’t fully realized the goal or focus. It’s like a rubber band on the propeller of a toy airplane. The plane moves when the rubber band is wound up. Play with the idea of what sails your plane. It’s a fun way to cultivate and focus the energy instead of shoulds, have to or supposed to.

“Begin with the end in mind.” – Stephen Covey

Being and staying in integrity is like your rudder on your boat. It keeps you going where you want to with lower stress and more energy. Here’s a great way to remember what integrity is and how to let it lead you with your intentions.

When our values match our behaviors we are in integrity. For example, I have a value of honesty. I’m in integrity when I tell the truth. Another value would be compassion. When I have thoughts, feelings and behaviors that match this, I lower my stress because I’m being authentic and I have more energy because I’m aligned with myself. Imagine a bicycle that has a wobbly front tire. You try to ride it and it takes a lot of energy and may be stressful because it’s not lined up with the rest of the bike. Stay in integrity with your values and you’ll find it’s earlier and more peaceful to stay the course with your intentions.

“I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dreams, for the adventure of being alive…”Oriah Mountain Dreamer